Monday, December 6, 2010

Chewbacca has always been a difficult character to "pull-off" for toy companies. We usually get a figure that's all plastic or one that's all plush but haven't really gotten one that's a mix of the two.

Kenner chose to go the "all plastic" route with their first sixth-scale Chewbacca action figure. In fact, Chewie's construction is very similar to another large action figure that Kenner produced for their Six Million Dollar Man line of toys... Bionic Bigfoot. In fact, early prototype images of Chewbacca reveal that Kenner used a repainted Bigfoot with a bandolier strap as a stand-in for our intrepid furry hero until an official figure could be produced. If you examine both toys together, it's very apparent that they were "cut from the same cloth," so to speak.

Chewbacca was one of the first four large-sized action figures produced along with Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia. Chewie's articulation is somewhat limited. He has ball-jointed shoulders, of sorts (held in place by rubber banded tension), and swivel hip joints... that's it. Due to the way he is sculpted, there is no head or neck articulation.

I like the way that Chewie is sculpted. There's plenty of sculpted fur detail but not too much. He's somewhat simplified and this choice works well with the somewhat simplified features of some of the human characters (like Han or Luke) in the line.

One neat aspect of this figure is that the cartridges on his strap are actually removable and can be placed on a peg on his crossbow blaster.

A complete Chewbacca comes with crossbow blaster (make sure the crossbow piece is present. It's a separate piece), bandolier strap with plastic pouch, and enough cartridges to fill all the slots on the strap.

Chewbacca has always been one of the more lovable characters in the Star Wars saga. This figure is fun representation of the beloved furry oaf.

Welcome to Yesterville Toy Room...Now with Bionic Grip!

A place to remember the toys and times of the 1970s.

Do you long for the days when it was possible to rebuild a man for only six million dollars? Does the idea of winding something to the point of bloody knuckles seem more fitting than filling up a battery compartment? Do you believe a man can effectively fight crime wearing oven mitts? Have you ever searched desperately from store to store for something called a Jawa to complete your "twelve?"

If so, this just might be your place.

Part of my intent with this blog is to generate discussion about our memories of the times and toys of the 1970s. So, please comment. Start or join a discussion and have fun reminiscing about the toys from the "grooviest" decade.

About Me

Illustrator. Artist on DC Comic's 96-page hardcover Batman: Absolution and Marvel's six-issue Hulk: Nightmerica. Has also produced illustrations for other clients including Disney Interactive, National Geographic Magazine, Topps, Inc., and Wizards of the Coast.